Phyllonorycter blancardella
This record describes Phyllonorycter blancardella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 6 to 9 mm. A fairly variable species, with the white streaks sometimes joining together to form more complete markings, and often with a dusky sprinkling of blackish scales on the orange ground colour. Adult gen det required Leafmine larva from tenanted mine must be reared through and the resulting adult confirmed by gen det The adults emerge in May, and again in August. The larvae feed on the leaves of Apple (Malus), creating a blotch mine usually between two veins. The species is quite commonly distributed in England and Wales, scarcer in southern Scotland and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gracillarioidea
- Family
- Gracillariidae (Leaf Blotch Miner Moths)
- Subfamily
- Lithocolletinae
- Genus
- Phyllonorycter
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where Apple trees are found.
Seasonal Activity
The adults emerge in May, and again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the leaves of Apple (Malus), creating a blotch mine usually between two veins.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is quite commonly distributed in England and Wales, scarcer in southern Scotland and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phyllonorycter blancardella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Phyllonorycter blancardella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter blancardella
What is Phyllonorycter blancardella?
Phyllonorycter blancardella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Phyllonorycter blancardella found?
Habitat: Where Apple trees are found.
When is Phyllonorycter blancardella active?
Phyllonorycter blancardella: seasonal activity - The adults emerge in May, and again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter blancardella?
The larvae feed on the leaves of Apple (Malus), creating a blotch mine usually between two veins.